Lagos, Nigeria – Orodata Science is thrilled to announce the commencement of a data collection project in six selected states across Nigeria. Orodata Science is a nonprofit and civic technology organisation advancing data-driven solutions for institutional improvement and committed to promoting public health.
The primary objective of this endeavour is to systematically collect vital health-related data from designated primary healthcare centres. The overarching goal is to augment the quality of healthcare provision, facilitate informed regional policy formulation and data-driven storytelling, and establish a dependable repository of healthcare data thereby fostering more effective and evidence-driven decision-making processes. This data will also be made available to investigative and research journalists on Africa Data Hub’s data repository to tell much-needed health stories from these often-overlooked local communities.
The project, set to begin on Wednesday 30 August, 2023, will span three months, during which trained volunteers from local communities will collaborate with Orodata Science to collect comprehensive data on various health indicators. The states selected for the project include Anambra, Benue, Cross Rivers, Osun, Sokoto & Taraba States representing a diverse cross-section of Nigeria’s population. If you’re interested in volunteering as a data collection expert, see the call for Volunteers.
Currently, there is no robust open data portal with a consistent data release structure on the state of the health in Nigeria and this project aims to plug that critical gap. Centred on enhancing primary healthcare provisions, the data collection initiative will assume a pivotal role in discerning prevailing health concerns, assessing current assets, and advancing health infrastructure within the designated areas.
Harnessing the potential of data, Orodata Science endeavours to empower regional communities, policymakers, and healthcare professionals with well-founded insights. This enables them to make well-advised decisions and effectively tackle urgent health challenges based on evidence-driven approaches.
Since 2020, Orodata Science has been part of the Africa Data Hub collective alongside Open Cities Lab, Open Up and Odipodev. The project aims to lower the barriers that journalists face in accessing and using data in their stories about health, gender and climate change. Drawing wisdom from past undertakings, our joint endeavours are actively reinforcing healthcare systems, supporting journalists to tell stories that matter with the data they need and ultimately contributing to a healthier future for communities across Nigeria.
